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This is where a guidebook would have been handy as it was evident when we got here via the Skytrain from the airport that we were in an important older building. But, sadly we did not spend long enough to take it in properly

Ask DavidG897 about Waterfront Station

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Built in 1914 as the terminus station for CP Rail’s transcontinental train service from Toronto and Montreal (until 1979), this iconic neoclassical structure has continued to serve Vancouver for well over a century. In the current day, Waterfront Station serves as THE major intermodal public transportation hub for the Greater Vancouver area. Along with city buses, Waterfront Station also plays host to the Canada Line, Skytrain, West Coast Express, SeaBus and Helijet. In other words, this historic station is the epitome of a central hub in that it connects locals and tourists alike to important areas in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster and Surrey via Skytrain and TransLink buses; the North Shore via SeaBus; Richmond and YVR Airport via Canada Line; the lush Fraser Valley via the West Coast Express; and, Victoria through HeliJet.

Besides its general function, Waterfront Station is also noteworthy because of its history. As I mentioned, it served as the terminus point for CP Rail’s superlative transcontinental railway service for well over sixty years. Because it functioned under such a well-regarded banner for so long, it was only natural for the station to garner something of a reputation – one fitting for the CPR. Its architecture speaks volumes in this regard: The building’s exterior is adorned with white ionic columns, which are mirrored on the inside. The grand hallway, while breathtaking in its own right, pays homage to the building’s rich history: some archways and walls are painted with beautiful murals depicting Western Canadian landscapes – no doubt designed to lure travelers aboard the trains to take them yonder. There is no doubt in my mind that this station was built and designed to be a part of one’s vacation, a sort of destination in itself.

Waterfront Station, then, is both a fine starting point and, indeed, a good end point to anyone’s journey. Whether you’re just starting your Vancouver-area adventure, or it’s coming to a close, there’s much to do and see in and around the station – from visiting Gas Town, the Sinclair Centre, the Harbour Centre, or admiring Waterfront itself. You can easily wander the area for hours.

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Ask PookyCake about Waterfront Station

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Anyone who enjoys learning about the history os a city will enjoy Waterfront Station. It is filled with the history of Vancouver. This is a great sport for both families and couples. We went as part of a foodie tour and reality, really enjoyed it.anyone! We would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys learning about the history of a city!

Ask 123RIch_S123 about Waterfront Station

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

This is lovely old historical railway station that was opened in 1914. The interior is beautifully decorated - I imagine that it is the original interior. The exterior of the building is neoclassical and has some nice ionic columns in the front. Very close to Canada Place (cruise port) and Gastown it is now the starting point for a couple of the local rail lines. There are also a couple of restaurants (A&W, Starbucks) in the building. Worth visit if you are interested in Canadian train history or architecture. There are no public washrooms in the station, use the ones in the food court of the mall across the street if needed.

Ask trainfan2000 about Waterfront Station

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC